RNLI efforts save injured yachtsman near Brixham

Tributes are in order for RNLI Torbay Lifeboat Station after their All Weather Boat (ALB) was involved in a tricky rescue earlier this month.

HM Coastguard asked Torbay RNLI to go to the aid of a yachtsman who activated his personal locator beacon at 9.51am 15 miles southeast of Berry Head, Brixham.

RNLI Torbay's volunteer crew wasted no time in launching the ALB, which was on its way to the yachtsman by 10.14am.

RNLI Torbay was joined by Dart RNLI Lifeboat, whose B-Class Atlantic 85 was out on exercise, and Weymouth RNLI, all responding to the coastguard's request.

A search and rescue aircraft and helicopter had also been directed to help.

The aircraft spotted the vessel quickly and guided the responding lifeboats to the yacht.

Upon arrival, a Dart RNLI crew member went aboard the yacht, where they found the lone yachtsman, who had been at sea for three days, suffering from a head injury, possible broken ribs, and signs of hypothermia.

He was immediately transferred to Torbay’s ALB and taken to Torquay Harbour to meet paramedics.

Dart RNLI towed the yacht while a Torbay crew member remained on board. At 12.10pm, the casualty was handed over to an ambulance, and Torbay RNLI took over the tow, bringing the yacht to Brixham, where it was moored at 3.30pm.

Torbay’s ALB was refuelled and ready for service by 4.20pm.